14-year-old arrested after killing 2 people in Bangkok mall shooting
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National Police Chief Torsak Sukwimol says two women -- one Chinese, one from Myanmar -- were killed in the mall shooting, and five other people were wounded.
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People rush out of the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok, on October 3, 2023 (AFP)
A 14-year-old boy was arrested Tuesday after a shooting at a packed Bangkok mall that left two people dead and five wounded.
The shooting comes just days before the first anniversary of the deadliest massacre in modern Thai history, when an ex-policeman armed with a gun and knife attacked a nursery in the country's north, murdering 24 children and 12 adults.
Hundreds fled the mall when bullets sounded out at about 4:30 p.m. (0930 GMT), according to witnesses.
The Royal Thai Police Metropolitan Investigation Bureau announced on Facebook that detectives had detained a 14-year-old in connection with the incident.
A boy with long hair sporting a black shirt, glasses, and a hat with a US flag design was seen being arrested by police on video footage.
วินาทีเข้าจับกุมคนร้ายกราดยิง อายุแค่ 14 ปี รอยืนยันอีกทีว่าเอาปืนมาจากไหน เด็กเหี้ย
— นูน่าเม่ว 🌦️🍼พี่เอิร์ทต้าวมิกซ์ ₂₀₂₄ (@leadermini95) October 3, 2023
#พารากอน #siamparagon pic.twitter.com/OS8wubluWK
National Police Chief Torsak Sukwimol told reporters that two women -- one Chinese, one from Myanmar -- were killed in the mall shooting, and five other people were wounded.
He said the 14-year-old suspect was in custody but was too confused to undergo questioning.
"He is a mental patient at Rajavithi hospital and he has not been taking his medication," Torsak said.
"He said it was like there was another him telling him who to shoot."
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he was actively following the situation, expressing on X that what he cared for most now was the safety of citizens.
It is noteworthy that the mall is a hotspot for tourists and locals.
In 2020, a former army commander went on a rampage in a Korat shopping mall, killing 29 people and injuring dozens more.
